Geraldine Lucille "Geri" Kaufman

Geraldine Lucille (Gorkowski) Kaufman 94, passed away June 20th, 2025. Born the eldest of 9 children on January 22,1931 to Cliffair (Boullion) and Thomas Gorkowski.

Geri was always a beautiful young girl with a wonderful complexion that lasted forever. She was quiet and shy. Her lifelong friends were Josie Menard, Jean Zingsheim Kutchera, Dorothy Bauer, Jeanine Bremer and many others.

Geri graduated from Fairchild High School in 1948. After graduating she went to live with her Aunt Donalene and work at a Cannery. Snooks tracked her down and convinced Geri to come live on his father Joe's farm where she would care for his mother Ursula Kaufman and her children. And on September 4, 1948 she married Charles (Snooks) Kenneth Kaufman at St Joseph's Catholic Church, Fairview. To this Union nine children were born.

In younger days, Geri and Snooks enjoyed playing cards with the Laffe's, Scheffers, Lightfoots, and others. Friday night dinner and dancing at the SilverDome with Bob & Jean Kutchera were a big treat. 1963-1965 Geri bowled at the SilverDome Lanes with Ann Scheffer, Ester Szedel, Alma Kaufman and Joan Wills. From 1982-1987 She joined Scott's Auto with Kathy Hullet, Louis Sprinkle, Mary Beurgo and Julie Burke.

Geri was always in the kitchen baking bread, cakes, cookies, and perfect pies along with full course meals. With the clanging top of a white strawberry glass cookie jar, she often caught the boys literally with their hands in the cookie jar. In the summertime she canned hundreds of jars of goodies like tomatoes, beans, pickles, jams, meats and more. The basement was always full. She loved looking up recipes and wasn't afraid to try something new. Geri enjoyed teaching all the children to bake and cook. She also sewed and patched more blue jeans for her boys than one could imagine. She took the boys to Boy Scouts where she helped them with plays, piggy banks, and earned badges. Snooks farm kept them busy as well, but Geri kept the family healthy and well-fed with all the bounties from the farm.

Always active in the church, she served on St Mary's Altar Society, PCCW. The matriarch of St Joseph's where Geri was cleaning, cooking and serving for all occasions, and teaching catechism to the little ones. The children loved her hot cross buns she made special for Easter and little first communion breads. Geri made visits to the nursing home, which included providing a rousing game of bingo. Geri always prayed faithfully for others and our dearly departed. When unable to attend mass in person, she faithfully watched a televised mass every day up until her own departure. A truly devoted Catholic. Surely the pearly gates will shine upon Geri and the good Lord will bless and take her in his arms.

Having 21 grandchildren, she loved them all. Yes Grandma Geri did her share of babysitting too that included treats and many games. Amazed at how fast they all grew and began families of their own. She was filled with joy when they came to visit and the opportunities to hold all those newborn babies.

Geri's biggest and most joyful event in life was raising her nine surviving children: Rozanne Traczek, Diane (Bob) Schnell, Kenneth (Sheri) Kaufman, David (Dawn) Kaufman, Gary (Tammy) Kaufman, Daniel Kaufman, Mark (Celeste) Kaufman, Lisa Kaufman and Mary Schamberger. She is survived by one sister Teresa Adelmann of Maryland. 20 Grandchildren and 35 Great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her husband Charles "Snooks" K. Kaufman, Son-in-law Frank Traczek, and Grandson Charles T. Kaufman. Two great grandsons Collin Kaufman and Reise Kaufman-Kittelson. Sister's MaryAnn, JeannYvonne, Virginia, infants Sonja and Helene. Brothers Michael, Randy, and Thomas.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 25 from 4-7pm, Rosary Service at 6:30pm at the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 26, at 11am at St Joseph's Catholic Church at Fairview, rural Fairchild. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Following the burial a lunch will be served at Off Road Bar and Grill (formally Blooms Tavern) If you are unable to attend the services but would like to join us for lunch, please feel welcome to stop in and share in the fellowship.

Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com